Meatless Monday: Vegetarian Holiday Appetizers

Meatless Monday is a global movement, a way of life. It’s not a campaign to turn everyone in the world vegetarian or vegan; in fact, many involved are meat-lovers. Eating less meat has been proven to reduce the risk of disease, curb obesity and has important environmental impacts, too. Will you join us in giving up meat, just for one day a week?
For every holiday party I’ve been invited to, the host instructions are to bring “an appetizer or dessert.” As much as I love baking, I prefer to bring the former. There are always plenty of sweets at a holiday gathering, but no guarantee that there will be meatless pre-dinner snacks. If I bring one or two vegetarian appetizers, it guarantees that I’m able to snack while I’m mingling and if dinner happens to be a whole bunch of ham and prime rib, then at least I can continue to nibble on my own apps.

The best bring-to-a-party appetizers are those that pack well so they won’t get all mangled in your travels and that can be made ahead — don’t count on being able to do a lot of last-minute prep or assembly at the party. If you’re bringing a hot dip or something that needs to be cooked (even re-heated) before serving, check with the host to make sure you’ll have access to the stove, oven or microwave.

Deviled Eggs: Everyone loves deviled eggs, whether they choose to admit it or not. Make them at home and pack them in one of those cute little deviled egg carriers if you’re headed straight to a party, or if you’re arriving long before the appetizers will be served, make the deviled filling and pack it separately and stuff the eggs before you serve them. Deviled egg best bet: Alton’s 4-Pepper Deviled Eggs (above) or Nadia’s Truffle Deviled Eggs.

Crostini: Prep the toppings at home and bring the bread along; assemble the toasts at the party and broil or bake just before serving. (Make sure you ask about using the oven ahead of time or you won’t be invited back next year.) If you’re really looking to impress, make it two appetizers in one. Make two different toppings and top half of the bread with one and half with the other. Fill your tray with Giada’s Sweet Pepper Crostini plus the unexpected flavor combination of Bal’s Crostini With Spiced Chevre.